Going solar in Arkansas

The ABA Revolving Loan Fund is an interest-free loan program adopted by Arkansas in 2009 (as loan payments go to the fund, the fund may continue indefinitely). It provides a way for state agencies, boards, and commissions (including those attached to institutions of higher learning) who own their own facilities to make renovations up to $25,000. It is funded by a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with contributions from the state general improvement funds. The loan encourages debtors to use the funds for ways to save and create energy for their buildings. For further information, check out the Arkansas Building Authority site.

As of July 1, 2005, all state agencies are encouraged to use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Green Globes rating system as much as possible. They receive additional credit for use of agri-fiber and composite wood products, post-consumer recycled content, and other environment-friendly products. The Sustainable Energy-Efficient Building Program directed the Arkansas Energy Office to reduce energy use in all state-owned major facilities by 30% by 2017 and conserve all utilities to reduce total energy consumption as justified by a life cycle cost analysis. Other state agencies have been encouraged to develop their own strategic energy plans.

In April 2001, the Arkansas Public Service Commission was directed to establish rules for net metering of some renewable energy systems. By 2012 they amended those rules to exempt government entities and agencies from indemnity agreements. In 2013 it would add new net-metering tariffs for all utilities under its jurisdiction and in 2014 it would modify provisions for excess generation, including increasing the cap for non-residential customers and opening the docket for appropriate fees and terms. Of special note is that customers with multiple meters who generate excess electricity may, with 30 days' notice, use the funds generated for any meter within the same utility.

Arkansas offers limited specialty solar thermal installer licenses with assistance from the Arkansas Department of Health. These licenses are the Restricted Solar Mechanic, Supervising Solar Mechanic, and Solar Mechanic Trainee. The Restricted Solar Mechanic license only allows a mechanic to install systems used to heat domestic hot water; the person must show evidence of relevant training and experience, including four years with a Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee license. The Supervising Solar Mechanic is allowed to supervise, install, and maintain solar and hydronic domestic hot water systems; applicants must have at least one year with a Restricted Solar Mechanic and five years of solar mechanic experience.